Hua Hin Airport upgrades reviewed by minister
Hua Hin Airport upgrades are again at the centre of discussions over the city’s long-running ambition to become an international gateway, after Deputy Transport Minister Phattharaphong Phattharaprasit visited the airport to review safety work, flight capacity plans and preparations for future international services.
The visit took place on Thursday morning, 28 May, when the deputy minister met officials from the Department of Airports, airport management and other related agencies.
The meeting was attended by Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, Chanatta Sricharoen, Director of Hua Hin Airport, and representatives from agencies involved in airport operations, air traffic control and aviation training.
Officials briefed the ministerial delegation on the airport’s current operations, development plans and the work of agencies under the Ministry of Transport. The delegation also visited the Civil Aviation Training Centre’s pilot training course, the civil aviation control centre and the air traffic control tower operated by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd.
Phattharaphong said the visit was intended to follow up on the airport’s progress, including plans to increase capacity for additional flights and prepare for possible international routes.
He said the development of Hua Hin Airport was being carried out alongside the introduction of automated systems aimed at improving passenger services and making transport links more efficient.
Hua Hin Airport upgrades aim to support more flights
The Department of Airports is currently working to upgrade Hua Hin Airport in line with international standards, with a key part of the project focused on improving the runway safety area at the end of Runway 16.
The safety area is being expanded from 40 metres on each side to 60 metres on each side along the length of the runway, in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Officials said the area is considered a higher-risk section for aircraft that may veer off the runway. The project also includes related improvements connected to the tunnel structure on Phetkasem Road.
The work is expected to be completed in August 2026.
Officials said the upgrades would improve the airport’s ability to support future international flights and strengthen domestic and international transport connections.
Improved air links could change access to Hua Hin
Hua Hin remains heavily dependent on road travel from Bangkok, with the airport’s role still limited compared with other major tourism destinations in Thailand.
At present, AirAsia operates flights between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai four times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The airport also supports charter flights operated by commercial airlines.
If Hua Hin Airport can support more scheduled domestic flights and future international services, it could change how tourists, residents and investors travel to the city.
The airport upgrade also comes as tourism leaders continue to push for more cross-regional routes linking Hua Hin with Chiang Mai, the Northeast and the South, as part of efforts to improve the city’s competitiveness as a tourism and investment destination.
